If you can find what you want from Lowes/Home Depot, you can probably ask their installer what he would charge to remove the old tub when you have him out for the installation estimate. That said, I'm not sure if he could give you a reliable estimate without seeing what's under and behind the tub. Over the years, the wall behind the tub and floor under it might have gotten wet so you might find yourself needing to replace more than just the tile. The wallboard behind the tile in my 40-50 year old tub surround was black with mildew. And enough moisture has gotten under the tub to require sistering a few joists and a replacing the entire subfloor.

And yes, you can start taking down the tile before removing the tub. It might be a good idea since it will give you a better idea of what you are dealing with.

My plumber removed my tub with a sledgehammer.

Where I am the big boxes don't do bathtub installation. Too many issues that are usually found behind the walls, and work has to stop until the repair estimate is given the homeowner, who then faints, calls someone else to do the job. They didn't end up getting enough jobs, so they don't do any of it anymore. One of my kitchen installer's helpers used to work for HD, and he gave me the scoop.

This is a job for a GC with bath experience. A handyman isn't going to cut it, and I personally have never found anyone using that title to have enough knowledge in any one field for me to trust with anything beyond hanging a curtain rod.

I am in the process of remodeling a bathroom just slightly larger than yours. I removed an old cast iron 60x30 bath tub (harvest gold -- eww!) and wall tiles and floor. I replaced the tub with a 66x30 drop-in, so it is a slightly different installation process.

Do all demolition before you install anything new. Remove the existing tile and substrate before you attempt to put anything new in. Remove the existing vanity and toilet before you try to remove the bath tub. A cast iron bath tub can be broken by whacking it with a sledge hammer. (This is what I did.) It is hard work and it is dangerous. The cast iron does not always shatter immediately and the sledge hammer can bounce back. Be careful. Wear eye protection and gloves. Then the pieces can be smashed into manageable sizes that can be carried out.

Replacing the bath tub may be difficult in the space you have. A 60" 3-wall-alcove bath tub is typically put in early on in construction when it is easier to maneuver the tub (think over 300lbs). It will also typically span the entire space from frame to frame. So consider how you will get it in the door and onto the floor and into place. Assuming the bath tub goes the length of the 5' wall, will you be able to position the tub and slide it in place? (Remember that tipping the tub down or trying to turn it in such a small space may be an issue since the distance from farthest corners is larger than 60", as is the distance from the top of the drain-side to the bottom of the foot of the bath tub.)

The important thing about installing bath tubs is making sure the support is appropriate. Your joists need to be sturdy and appropriately spaced and the underlayment (plywood) needs to be in good condition. If it is an acrylic tub (like mine) mortar may be used underneath the bath tub itself to give it structure. Also, the plumber will need access underneath or behind the bath tub to install the tub drain. (I had to punch a hole in the ceiling of my laundry room.) Make certain appropriate water proofing is done on the tub surround.

It is very important that everything is done right so that you do not end up with leaks or structural problems. I am doing all of my work (except setting the tub) myself with plenty of research. But it is not an easy job. There is a reason why people hire general contractors. If you wish to cut costs, consider doing some of the demolition yourself. If done carefully, it isn't that difficult. And sometimes it's actually fun! It does take strength and you need somewhere for the waste to go, but it does not take much knowledge or skill. Let me know if you'd like to know anymore specifics about doing demolition yourself.

Hi thank you all for your advice!
wrighthouse - yes I was thinking that if we (i.e. handyman, not me, personally - I only have 2 left thumbs!) stripped all the walls down to the bare studs except section touching bathtub, and have the Lowes/HD installer take away old/replace new tub it might work? do you think there will be black mold/rotted wood underneath the tub etc?

live_wire - I hear you, but our handyman seems to be more sensible - he did our powderroom for us as well as tiled and finished a laundry room with pocket door, that others had given up on. he has help, and may be able to dislodge the tub with his team, but I just wondered whether a professional installer would do just the tub takeout/replace thing as an isolated job.

pricklypearcactus- you have described the process so well for me, that I wonder if I really want to replace that old bathtub even (except its an awful cocoa color and my husband seems to think having the tub still around will not give it a fully updated feel - i think a judicious choice of colors and materials in tile vanity, mirrors etc. will do wonders... but that's another story)

It is no small task to replace a bath tub. I am still working on my remodel, though it is progressing along nicely. (I took some time off work, but now I'm back at work and can only work on the bathrooms evenings and weekends.) For me, it will be well worth the effort. I think it would be worthwhile to do some research and get some quotes before you cross it off of your list. (I have used Angie's List in the past for help finding good contractors. I found my plumber this way.)

Another option would be to have your bath tub re-glazed or lined with a new material. I never looked into those options, but it could be an affordable alternative.

You never know what you are gong to find when you tear out the tile and fixtures. I was not surprised to find water damage in the tub wall because damage to the floor beside the tub is what led to the demo in the first place. But I was really surprised to find that there was no damage to the studs. Seems the builders who were also the original homeowners used redwood to frame the exterior walls.

As pricklypearcactus say, demolishing the tub is messy--also loud. If you do take it out make sure whoever does it and those around them have earplugs.